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The Right Prescription

Health Care: The Religious Question

It’s no wonder that the culture wars have been reignited.

It was inevitable that religious groups would be drawn into the fight over health care reform. Any proposal to restructure one-sixth of the U.S. economy is bound to affect almost every social institution, including religious institutions. In fact, these have a significant stake. The Catholic Church alone delivers $5.7 billion in health care annually through 600 affiliates.

Health care is an area that particularly touches upon religious values. Catholic hospitals can trace their lineage back to the Middle Ages, when religious orders took the lead in caring for the sick. They were trying to imitate a Savior who first made his reputation as a healer.

But what constitutes healing? Is abortion an act of healing? Is contraception? What about euthanasia? For many Americans, these questions cannot be considered apart from theological notions about the sacredness of the human body and the uses for which God intended it.

The moral questions about the boundaries of health care become more acute as health care is centralized. When health care is provided through local markets with a multiplicity of players offering disparate services, individuals have freedom to choose the options that best fit their moral convictions.

But to the extent that health care reform concentrates decisions in the federal government, it raises the stakes. With the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) defining essential benefits under private insurance while also bringing more people directly under federal programs, HHS will increasingly be making moral decisions for everyone. Either it will respect religious consciences and limit some of the standard services, or it will force numbers of religious believers to participate in a health care system that violates their consciences. This is the nub of the current dispute about abortion coverage.

The debates about abortion and health care reform are not between religion and secularism. They are between different sets of religious values.

A superficial reading of church statements on health care would suggest considerable consensus on goals such as universal access, affordability, and cost control. There is a parting of ways, however, when it comes to the legislative specifics.

The Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, representing America’s largest Protestant denomination, is encouraging a filibuster of the current Senate bill. The commission’s foremost objection is the failure to exclude abortion coverage from any government-run or government-subsidized insurance plan.

But the Southern Baptists would oppose the bill in any case. Suspicious of concentrated state power, they predicted that an earlier version would “lead to diminished health care for most Americans, less choice, higher taxes, and unprecedented government intrusion into every level and aspect of society.”

Diametrically opposed are the oldline Protestant leaders, who habitually look to the state to fulfill biblical promises of “good news to the poor.” Agencies of the United Methodist Church, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Episcopal Church, and United Church of Christ touted the health reform bill that passed the House in early November. They would have preferred a government-controlled “single payer” system; however, they saw the Democratic proposals as a step in that direction.

Oldline leaders’ main qualm has been that the House bill contains the Stupak amendment barring abortion coverage in government-funded plans. A December 4 letter signed by offices of the four denominations exalted abortion as “critical health coverage [for] women.” At a recent rally the head of the oldline-backed Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice thundered: “You not only have a constitutional right for abortion, but you have a God-given right.”

Caught in the middle are the Roman Catholic bishops. Their tradition has been to address social problems through partnerships between the state and private institutions, including churches. So, in principle, they are open to the approach being pursued by the Democrats.

The Catholic bishops would like to see an even more expansive health reform than the current bills provide. In a November 20 letter to senators, three U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) committee chairs advocated stronger “provisions for adequate affordability and coverage standards” and better access for immigrants.

But abortion remains a sticking point for the bishops. “Failure to exclude abortion funding will turn allies into adversaries and require us and others to oppose this bill,” warned USCCB president Cardinal Francis George recently.

A society that sees morality as merely subjective sentiment is ill equipped to resolve this kind of controversy. It’s no wonder that the culture wars have been reignited in the health care debate. How could the Democratic leadership have expected otherwise when it proposed a more centralized health care system? Raw political power may enable the leadership to push through a decision; however, it will leave many embittered citizens feeling that their moral concerns have not been attended.

topics:
Health Care, Religion, Culture War

About the Author

Alan F.H. Wisdom is Vice President of the Institute on Religion and Democracy and author of the monograph “Is Marriage Worth Defending?”

Letter to the Editor View all comments (128) |

Patrick Korten | 12.16.09 @ 7:07AM

You've confused the Princeton University professor (Robert George) with the Cardinal Archbishop of Chicago (Francis George).

Rich - NH| 12.16.09 @ 8:08AM

Right today, I wouldn't put money on the Catholic bishops and the USCCB opposing Obamacare over 'just' abortion - given their lack of any significant response to Notre Dame's providing support to and honoring aggressively pro-abortion O'Bama - I doubt a majority would vote to lose millions of dollars in government funding. USCCB is not and has not shown itself to be any great defender of Catholic theology when it comes to challenging or confronting public immorality by liberal/socialist Democrats of any sort.

Rich - NH| 12.16.09 @ 8:08AM

Right today, I wouldn't put money on the Catholic bishops and the USCCB opposing Obamacare over 'just' abortion - given their lack of any significant response to Notre Dame's providing support to and honoring aggressively pro-abortion O'Bama - I doubt a majority would vote to lose millions of dollars in government funding. USCCB is not and has not shown itself to be any great defender of Catholic theology when it comes to challenging or confronting public immorality by liberal/socialist Democrats of any sort.

magua| 12.16.09 @ 10:13AM

I believe it is instructive how the health care debate has shifted to the moral consideration. Many proponents of the both the House and Senate versions of the bill have recently begun to invoke morality into the conversation. I personally find the central and defining issue of health care to be just that. Yes, it is a moral issue.
I contend furthermore, that it is a right to life issue. The Framers and Founders of our Republic were emphatic as to the "right to life", and that being conferred upon us by our Creator. How is it our current executive and legislative branches deem themselves to be providers, regulators and gatekeepers to this most personal aspect of our respective human experience? The only possible answer any thinking person can conclude is; ultimately it's about an extra-constitutional, authoritarian, onerous, imposing, tyrannical, elitist ruling class run amuck in an all out assault on the Liberty of "We the People". It's about CONTROL!

These same statists assure the citizens that they have no ill intent and won't insert themselves between a patient and their doctor. As the new gatekeepers to every aspect of our health care and backed by the police powers of state, I'm just not getting that warm fuzzy feeling. A leopard doesn't change its' spots. See TARP recipients. See GM. See Chrysler. And more! They all made a deal with 'THE MOB", and all rue the day. How is the citizenry to understand their behavior? Their track record here sucks, period.

This is a moral issue. This is a right to life issue. This is and will be the defining issue of this generation. This is the new Roe v. Wade. And sadly I believe, will be as divisive. So much for Obama's claim to unify the American people. I am underwhelmed !

This is a bridge to far for me. I sense that is true of most of our countrymen.

Goodgrief| 12.16.09 @ 10:14AM

This is nothing more than the age old battle of those who seek to live by God's will - what God has declared to be right - known as righteousness verses those who love the world and its rebellious values, who sacrifice their children in the vallley of Hinnom (modern version - abortion).

Ran / Si Vis Pacem | 12.16.09 @ 11:30AM

Mr. Wisdom, many thanks for the article.

I counter that we are indeed our brother's keeper.

Al Adab| 12.16.09 @ 12:07PM

What is the definition of tyranny if not a government which forces its citizens to violate their conscience? Even a decent respect for the minority view of unconscionable acts would restrain a representative, consent of the governed, society. Even conscription, the draft, did not impose such conditions as are currently contemplated by this government.

It is fitting that Dec. 16th is the anniversay of the Boston Tea Party, a criminal act of vandalism, which marked the beginning of what we now know was the founding of America. That the current TEA Party movement has yet to follow in those steps is to their credit.

Yet, if our government forces us all to support their Idol worship of Diversity, Tolerance, Choice and the like with our tax dollars, where has our Freedom gone? An imposed State Religion forced through "health care" becomes a tyranny at least as severe as that of King George.

We are fast becomming wards of our government, dependant upon it for our livlihoods and needs. What are the citizens then but slaves?

Salverda| 12.16.09 @ 3:38PM

The lobby system results in bad laws!
You’ve heard it said, "Outlawing political contributions from lobbyists denies free speech." However, in truth, "allowing it denies free speech." The constitution guarantees free speech to individual persons only, not to groups. Even a petition requires signatures of individuals who agree with it. A charter and a membership list is not a constitutionally authorized substitute for a petition.

Groups, organizations, associations, industries, corporations, etc. are not individual living persons. A non-human, legal entity can’t really claim that its free speech is being denied. Each member of a group already merits free speech as an individual. The groups themselves warrant no free speech, they are merely a concept or an idea; it’s not even possible for these “things” to speak!

Free speakers are invented out of nothing and granted the ability to make huge political donations. Obviously, this farce greatly dilutes the true free speech that is uttered by actual humans. Our (the only real) free speech is practically worthless by comparison.

We mere mortals can't compete against powerful artificial beings, (invisible, intangible, immortal entities, that have been unconstitutionally granted more powerful speech than any human, but actually exist only in contemplation of the law) for the favors of our own elected representatives.

These “things” are trying to pass laws that induce you to serve them. (Sorry to bring up idolatry, but this practice clearly violates the first commandment as well as the first amendment.)

Our legislators are supposed to represent "we the people" not some subset of the people who seek to make laws against the rest of us and are allowed (by those being thus bribed) to pay bigger bribes than we can.

It’s time our representatives in Congress, (they swear by the constitution,) upheld an individuals constitutional right to free speech! Anyone who continues to accept the bigger bribes (donations) that lobby groups can offer should be un-elected forthwith.

Jeremiah| 12.16.09 @ 10:45PM

Lobbyists and special interests are not the problem. That government has grown so gigantic that it interferes in every aspect of our lives is the problem. As long as a gigantic government keeps putting its finger on the scales, determining who the winners and the losers shall be, it is unavoidable that groups should appeal to Washington asking it to tip the scales in their favor. Get Washington out of the peoples business and lobbyists will go back to winning the old-fashioned American way - in the free marketplace of goods and in the free marketplace of ideas.

The right of the people to petition their government, either individually or collectively, shall not be abridged. The rise of special interests is just another unintended consequence of the rise of big government - for our own good, of course.

Salverda| 12.16.09 @ 11:26PM

Require the petition to contain every agreeing individuals' signature. Don't allow a charter and a membership list suffice as a petition! Many of us joined AARP to get a discount at the movies and such, not to bribe congressmen into passing laws that hurt us.

Jeremiah| 12.16.09 @ 11:31PM

Can't argue with that too much, Salverda. AARP is a joke of an organization. It should actually be called the American Association of Ultraliberal Employees bribing seniors with cheap insurance so the Employee can help set up death panels. (Hey, folks, remember us in your will).

Bill Sr.| 12.16.09 @ 12:20PM

Let’s face it; the Church today in America is divided on many aspects of both civil and religious authority. This is because when we “through open the windows” last century to get some fresh air in the Church we also let in all the waiting wonders of liberalism and their stale options to “accepted” church doctrine along with their utopian agendas for “social justice” in our society which had failed everywhere they had been tried.

So we shouldn’t be surprised to find “Catholics” today who no longer accept even our dogma but have “officially” infiltrated every level of “authority” within the Church and our government and still maintain their religious identity as practicing Catholics.

But let’s examine their “practices”.

Any effort to advance a piece of their errant agenda must immediately have a plan to demonize or at least accuse all dissenters of being against progress designed to improve conditions for the poor or disadvantaged. Their requests for progress (change) will always include demands for which they are willing to negotiate in order to give the impression of empathy for other view points when in reality they are prepared to stomp any opposition on their way to victory. They learned this practice from the years of union negotiations which led to the eventual demise of now government run and union owned GM and Chrysler.

Another example is the Obamacare debacle where they are accusing staunch Catholic opponents fearing federal funding of abortion that “they're not willing to come to the table and talk about a compromise." Who’s kidding who? Their socialist agenda is not about to be “compromised” now that they have control of every branch of our government, including the Supreme Court where any questions of its constitutionality can be squelched. Yes they own the Senate and the House and even the talking table.

Have we not noticed that it seems the “fundamental changing of America” must be accomplished quickly before the 2010 elections? Sooner or later we will be asked to compromise on euthanasia (already “practiced” in some states), reduced elder care, cancer treatments, gay marriage, sterilization, abstinence programs, sex education for kindergartners, free speech, and secret ballots as well as a host of other secular issues dear to Obama’s handlers.

So again yes, it’s sad to report but we must, that we’ve been betrayed by both our elected officials and the thousands of CINO’s who have little regard for the teachings of Holy Mother Church but are as yet free to represent and speak for her at the highest levels of our government without fear of chastisement.

Faithful Christians must unite to kill the bill if we still believe we are our brothers keepers. We've already turned too much of our works of charity over to those who desire absolute control the poor and disadvantaged.

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KyMouse| 12.16.09 @ 12:29PM

The seriousness of this issue is shown in the recent case of pro-life nurse Cathy Cenzon-DeCarlo, who was coerced into participating in the abortion of a late-term baby at New York's Mount Sinai Hospital.

And I've said this before, but it bears repeating -- pharmacists will face a new dilemma if euthanasia and assisted suicide become commonplace: Many people who have terminal or chronic illnesses express the wish to die because they are clinically depressed. Proper medication could help them live better. If pharmacists are called upon to dispense lethal drugs (because these patients have become "useless eaters") instead of anti-depressants, what will they do?

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Nick| 12.16.09 @ 1:38PM

As the indefatigable Rush Limbaugh has been pointing out this afternoon, President Dither has THROWN ALL YOU LEFTIES UNDER THE BUS!!

Let's review:

NO Single-Payer, check.
NO Universal Coverage, check.
NO Public Option, check.
NO Medicare Buy-in, check.
NO State Opt-out, check.
NO Reduction in Costs, check.
NO Importation of Drugs, check.
NO Taxpayer Funded Abortions, check.

NO Government Run Health Care, CHECK!

Buh-bye ObamaCare, buh-bye!

Salverda| 12.16.09 @ 3:47PM

What about the individual mandate!?!

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Tony in Central PA| 12.16.09 @ 3:12PM

There is no doubt in my mind that the push to put the government increasingly in charge of people's health and lives will continue regardless of the fate of this current bill. Even if the bill fails or becomes watered down, there will be continued attempts through thousands of small regulations and judicial decrees to accomplish the goal of a redefinition of medical ethics and the standard of practice via the State.

Nick| 12.16.09 @ 5:12PM

Tony,

That has been happening since the death of HillaryCare.

Like S-Chip and the Medicare Drug Benefit.

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Ken (Old Texican)| 12.16.09 @ 7:51PM

I have been contemplating a comment on this article all day long. The comments I have read above are just splendid, folks, thank you.

Oh my, where to start?

OK...Elvis Presley: "In The Ghetto" (youtube has it)

Look, I just think God has a special place for those little souls...and a special life long sadness for the mothers who choose abortion and the worthless daddies who were involved.

Ken (old texican)| 12.16.09 @ 7:59PM

Here is the you tube...link.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v.....p;index=55

Margie| 12.16.09 @ 8:42PM

"A society that sees morality as merely subjective sentiment is ill equipped to resolve this kind of controversy."
~This is indeed the crux of the entire matter. If we have a society that doesn't think abortion is wrong to begin with, but actually a "right," (after all, it's THEIR bodies they say) what hope is there? Our young girls are taught this in school now, and sadly by Parents as well.
Not until the hearts and minds of individuals are awoken and enlightened by God will it change. Until then we're going to have more of the same. Government replacing God and the conscience.

I agree with Ken's comment too.. that every little soul that is aborted is in Heaven with God for Eternity.

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Tony in Central PA| 12.16.09 @ 9:53PM

As a society, we have become astonishingly shallow and uninformed in many of the things we claim to believe. It seems more than mere ignorance much of the time. If there is such a thing as " willful ignorance " then that's how I'd describe it.
Exhibit A from the national news this year would be Obama's triumphal reception at Notre Dame. If the state of Israel presented a medal to an architect of the Holocaust it would have been no less ironic. Many outside the world of religiously -affiliated universities had their first chance to see the kind of muddled thinking produced by a couple of decades of " progressive " leadership.

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Jeremiah| 12.16.09 @ 11:14PM

In this Christmas season, let us remember that Ebenezer Scrooge (pre-reform) agreed with the Democrats that charity and compassion were wholly the business of the state and no individual concern of his at all.

In Christ's day they had poor boxes. Remember the widow's mite? Jesus told his questioners to render unto Caesar what was Caesars and unto God what was God. He most assuredly did not advocate having the state take over our needs. Rather, He maintained that each of us is our brother's keeper - individually responsible. Jesus outraged the authorities of His time not because He advocated helping them, but because these were the very people He hung around with.

Modern 'social work' is largely a matter of a smug elite caring for the 'less fortunate' as a condescension of what they believe to be the greater to the lesser and then congratulating themselves on their own enlightenment and compassion - a compassion that is ultimately less tender and less intimate than than their compassion for their pets.

The fact is, we are all the less fortunate, weighed down by the weight of original sin. We are to care for each other as loving brothers and sisters, not as a matter of preening noblesse oblige. Modern notions of social justice are a hideous parody of the intimate love Christ taught.

It infuriates me that so many Churches, (including my own, largely) have walked away from intimate and personal responsibility Christ commanded to support a system in which the pockets of the many are forcibly emptied to to give a few elite all power over everyone in the name of compassion. It particularly enrages me that the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, representing a Church that long ago largely founded the modern university, the modern hospital and so many other charitable institutions by taking direct responsibility, are now so tired and decayed that they want the government to relieve them of the burden.

One of the little known and little understood doctrines of the Catholic Church is that of 'prudential responsibility.' That which the Church is responsible for (faith and morals, the good of souls, the dispensing of the sacraments) She must make the ultimate decision. The laity, which are responsible for government, bear the responsibility for the specific mechanisms to make it work well. It irritates me to no end that in recent decades, the USCCB has busied itself pronouncing on the politics it does not have prudential responsibility for while remaining all too quiet on the things it does - the propagation of the faith, the Real Presence, the inherent dignity of the human person. They should comment on this to the extent to which the government will prevent them from providing care. I hated what happened at Notre Dame, but I was somewhat heartened that a lot of bishops did seem to remember for a time that they are Apostles, not politicians trolling for applause in this world. As for those clerics who welcomed Obama to the university and basked in the approving glow of the media and all the rest of the cool kids in modern society, well, as Jesus said, they have their reward.

Sorry for the rant. (But not very).

Nick| 12.16.09 @ 11:36PM

Jeremiah,

I understand your rant completely.

But, remember the motto of Pope John Paul II: "Be Not Afraid."
While men do fail the Church, the Church will never fail man.

Also, remember what Father John Corapi preaches. He reminds us that we are engaged in Spiritual Warfare. We are in combat with the Enemy. Put on the armor Christ gives us.

Go to Confession regularly. Receive the Holy Eucharist. Pray the Rosary and other prayers often.
Only through prayer will the Bishops change. Look how much they have already.

Merry Christmas, Jeremiah.
God Bless.

Irenaeus| 12.19.09 @ 11:39PM

Very well stated.

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Tony in Central PA| 12.17.09 @ 8:50AM

I didn't mean to single out the Catholic sphere as the only place where convenience wins out over convictions. I singled it out because it hits closer to home for me.
I think Obama's visit to Notre Dame was part of a larger, deliberate strategy to weaken what he believes to be his most significant opponent ( the Church ) for much of his agenda. Obama's close relationships with many dubiously Catholic figures in the upper echelons of the Democratic party and his Administration is also part of this. Frequently, these individuals make blantantly false or confusing pronouncements about faith and morals that seem engineered to sow confusion among the less- informed. This is an Administration that seems to thrive on moral ambiguity.

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Jeremiah| 12.17.09 @ 10:00AM

Obviously, Tony, it hits close to home for me as well. The Catholic Church should be a leader in insisting upon what elements constittute real reform - freedom, accessibility, innovation, conscience. Instead, it, too, ignores the real world consequences of the horrible results everywhere in the worls this is tried, and just says smarmy things that ignore evidence and reason and want to be judged on 'good intentions.'

As for the moral ambiguity Obama and Co. thrive on, they only do it because the immoral clarity underlying their programs won't sell.

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Richard Baker| 12.17.09 @ 8:15PM

The time for Civil Disobedience has arrived. Remember, Jesus said to "Render unto Caesar that which is Caesar's, render unto God that which is God's." Caesar wants to be God and saying no is an idea whose time has come. What are these liberals and Communists going to do, imprison everyone who disagrees? Sic Semper Tyrannis.

Mark Reynolds | 12.18.09 @ 2:44AM

The government should push it harder for this health care bill. It can help a lot of people especially below average or low wage earners. We cant ignore the fact that more and more people are getting sick because of unavailability of treatment or no access at all.

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Richard Baker| 12.19.09 @ 9:19AM

Mark Reynolds:
As COL Sherman Potter would say on MASH, "Horse puckey!" The "health care reform" has little to do with reforming the health care system but everything to do with seizing control of the economy and spreading misery to one and all. Sorry that thinking is so hard for you. Take two aspirin and lie down until the thinking pains cease.

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Tony in Central PA | 2.28.10 @ 5:16PM

As a society, we have become astonishingly shallow and uninformed in many of the things we claim to believe. It seems more than mere ignorance much of the time. If there is such a thing as " willful ignorance " then that's how I'd describe it.
Exhibit A from the national news this year would be Obama's triumphal reception at Notre Dame. If the state of Israel presented a medal to an architect of the Holocaust it would have been no less ironic. Many outside the world of religiously -affiliated universities had their first chance to see the kind of muddled thinking produced by a couple of decades of " progressive " leadership.

Vince | 3.1.10 @ 1:26PM

If only religion and culture could be put aside, the eventual effects and products of the Health care system would eventually be more beneficial to the rest of the population, 3/4s of which suffers from no accessible means to public healthcare, nor the funds to support an extensive treatment.

There are already enough fissures in the current healthcare options that adding major cultural differences would only serve to rupture and create a fault which would be difficult to circumnavigate considering the current socio-political situation in America.

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literacy | 3.2.10 @ 5:41AM

Healthcare has to be an universal goal and cannot be divided or infringed in the name of religion , billions of dollars are being allocated to relegious groups for health concerns of the community, now the groups have been empowered as such, a honest way out would be to have proper surveillence of the work done and divisive contribution weeded out, its not like a for sale by owner notice and anyone can have it, its the states responsibility to allocate wisely after studying all the cons , best ,, regards

scanner | 3.2.10 @ 5:49AM

the text is very thought stimulating ,however it is ultimately the local authorities who have the tertiary say, whether it be relegious leaders or elected persons, ultimately the utilization of funds is upon the intrusted body or individual ,so prudence is the keyword,
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sleep | 3.2.10 @ 4:11PM

Agreed, religion has crept into every facet of our existance, superstition and ignorance abounding.
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BarryMartin| 3.2.10 @ 4:30PM

I'm not sure if Obama is a religious person. I feel he only put on the Christian facade as a way to get elected. Although I benefited by Obama college grants I still disagree that anyone who runs for president should hide their religious affiliation for the sake of the campaign.

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Dale | 3.5.10 @ 2:48PM

I think that for Medicare to be more efficient, it should be used only important health concerns like illness. I've heard that some even allow cosmetic surgery (correct me if I'm wrong), I don't think that is really necessary. Think of the money spent for someone's nose job, if it was used for mammograms or blood sugar tests instead? I'm against abortion! I don't think that it is necessary at all!

Nazbir | 3.6.10 @ 11:29AM

I agree with you that , health care is an area that particularly touches upon religious values . So we should not bring religion in every issue .
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lice treatment | 3.9.10 @ 8:56AM

what should be a religious question regarding health care?
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Jada T. | 3.11.10 @ 3:39PM

Although I believe that religion & politics should never mix, I do agree that abortion should be out of the question for funding. What benefits does the Government see in this, anyway?

Dynamics Nav | 3.13.10 @ 3:40AM

Even if the bill fails or becomes watered down, there will be continued attempts through thousands of small regulations and judicial decrees to accomplish the goal of a redefinition of medical ethics and the standard of practice via the State. There is no doubt in my mind that the push to put the government increasingly in charge of people's health and lives will continue regardless of the fate of this current bill.
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rancho| 3.14.10 @ 9:57AM

As example, the Obamacare debacle where they are accusing staunch Catholic opponents fearing federal funding of abortion that “they're not willing to come to the table and talk about a compromise." Who’s kidding who? Their socialist agenda is not about to be “compromised” now that they have control of every branch of our government, including the Supreme Court where any questions of its constitutionality can be squelched. Yes they own the Senate and the House and even the talking table.
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indian domains | 3.28.10 @ 4:23AM

it is very nice when healthcare is taken care of , while looking for indian domains i came across this literature on credit cards and the relegious taboos, so it is not surprising to see that religion bites into every aspect of life, whether it be online money making or healthcare,,

attorney | 3.28.10 @ 4:57AM

very good question that the quest of faith should not lead to siphoning of healthcare money of the people or the people will revolt guwahati

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karen | 4.2.10 @ 4:41AM

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Semon| 4.4.10 @ 3:36PM

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lice treatments | 4.6.10 @ 11:45PM

Health care is an area that particularly touches upon religious values. Great to know about this. thanks for sharing it.

kaayess| 4.9.10 @ 2:27AM

Healthcare and religious politics. Where are we heading? There was a time when human religion used to be taking care of people's health. And now? This is a farce and is better suited for comedy movies !

crab smith| 4.10.10 @ 3:36PM

religious institutions should step back and support the govt. over the bill

crab smith| 4.10.10 @ 3:36PM

religious institutions should step back and support the govt. over the bill
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major payne| 4.12.10 @ 4:46PM

religion has its own place and the govt. should continue whatever seems fit
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gaming computers | 4.14.10 @ 12:15PM

This was pretty inevitable and undesirable. The main loser in this tussle would be the common man, irrespective of the religion.

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church of christ | 4.18.10 @ 6:07AM

The only thing that religion can do about health care is pray for everyone.

Lets pray at the church of christ!

Essential Lifestyle | 4.27.11 @ 3:52AM

There are so many interesting aspects of the health care debate, great article.

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